Lucky Musky,
First, welcome to Pond Boss. This a very friendly group serious hobbyists, serious professionals, and groupies like me trying get to the next level.
The show you watched could have included any number of long-time nationally recognized Pond Boss members. The bluegill you saw were probably not hybrids -- just the best of the best that were grown through high quality fisheries management. The show could have been recorded at any number of sites, and presented on any number of TV programs. Many involved here at Pond Boss are passionate volunteers who are ready to help with questions.
A half-acre pond can produce wonderful family enjoyment, incredible meals, and trophies. We can help you get there, if you aren't there yet.
As for threads that "kind of veered off the subject" -- that unfortunately is a consequence of the close friendships that develop on this site. Hopefully you will become a regular posting member. If you do, you will meet some wonderful people here -- we have some extremely well respected researchers and fisheries management people in your local area. Then, you will be taking threads off into the weeds.
Regards,
Ken
